Maximizing wheat yield through soil quality enhancement: A combined approach with Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite

•Sole application of Azospirillum brasilense is more beneficial as compared to the sole application of bentonite.•Bentonite application at 10 g kg-1 of soil is more beneficial for the wheat crop growth and soil fertility status as compared to the bentonite application at 5 g kg-1 of soil.•Co-application of Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite increases the grain yield, LAI, and Stomatal conductance. Maintaining soil fertility to obtain higher crop production is essential for food security and sustainability. Soil amendments not only improve soil fertility but also enhance plant growth. Azospirillum brasilense is an important plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria participating in the progression of wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield; however, how it works in bentonite soil for enhancing wheat production is not clear yet. To investigate the combined applications of Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite, a planned experiment was performed in the wirehouse. Through studying various agronomic, physiological, and soil-related parameters, it was found that the sole application of Azospirillum brasilense is more beneficial as compared to the sole application of ben-tonite. Bentonite application at 10 g kg−1 of soil is more beneficial for the wheat crop growth and soil fertility status as compared to the bentonite application at 5 g kg−1 of soil. Co-application of Azospirillum brasilense and bentonite at 10 g kg−1 of soil increases the grain yield by 42 %, LAI by 20.2 %, and Stomatal conductance by up to 13.88 %. The resulting increase was due to an increase in the soil organic matter contents, microbial activities, growth hormones production, and more availability of soil water for plant growth.